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Apples to Apples?

Hello everyone...

My wife and I are building a home this Spring. I have gotten quotes from several different HVAC installers. My question is, are we comparing apples to apples in these two units. Both of these quotes are without backhoe work...

Might want to look at the specs of each unit... to see if they are apples to apples... also there are more items in the second quote.

Carrier, while they are a HUGE manufacturer of residential HVAC equipment, is not primarily a GEO co... and I suspect their units may be built by someone else. Might want to check that also... However, here is what is important:

Installation.

Unlike most products where one compares similar to a commodity... the installation of the equipment is the most important part of a heating and air conditioning system. If it were me, I would look for references of the contractors... and talk to folks that have done business with the specific contractors you talk to. Did the work go well, did they do as they said they would, did the system work as it was sold to, how much service was needed to keep the system working, if there was any warranty work, was it done thoroughly and paid for by the co... or was there a deductible, etc, etc, etc... The point is to see how it works out long term... rather than look at the $$$ up front. If up front cost is the issue... then GEO is an extravagant route IMO.

BTW: Forum rules prohibit pricing in a post... might want to edit and remove the pricing.

Sorry about the pricing in the post. I'm not sure how to edit my post so if someone could please take out the pricing, i'd appreciate it.

Upfront cost really isn't a factor as we ARE going to put Geo in our house, we'd be stupid not to, but the price difference IS a factor if we're comparing apples to apples.

The forum moderators will be along soon to edit out the pricing... They are good about that.

IMO: Ask a lot of questions, chat with customers of the contractor(s) you are interested in, do your online research of the products... Just remember that installation is the key to a system that lasts its life and does not require much service beyond what is normal.

What you need is something in the middle

Water Furnace has a three and half ton unit that would be perfect for the size home you described.
While oversizing sounds like extra insurance, your efficiencies will suffer.
The two stage option will help with this but the extra cost of loop field and equiptment is hard to make up.
If you want highest efficient unit available, Water Furnace now has a variable speed compressor matched with variable loop pumps that boasts the highest SEERS on the planet. While the release date isn't till the fourth quarter, it would well be worth the wait. Find yourself a Geopro dealer off their website and step into the future.

15 kw would be max elec heat I would put in, for sure you want one with a ecm motor and 2 stage compressor especialy in the midwest where you need the 4 ton for heat but don't need even close to that in cooling also make sure they line the at least the first 10 to 12 ft of duct,

to get the benifits want you need to compare apples to apples.the ducts are so important will they be pressure tested.its important.then what about service after thats important.my company has great service. we lose some jobs to cheaper bids we concentrate on overall system eff.the earth coupling the load calcs the ducts thats what your comparing not equipment or model and serial numbers.does the company care enough to employ nate certified techs and installers do they have the proper tools to test your ducts will you be getting what you think your paying for or just making some wanna be rich.the company you choose will be the most important thing not the equipment good luck when geo is done right its a beautiful thing

I would request heat loss/gain calcs from both contractors. Compare unit outputs to loss/gain calcs of house load. This is to determine whether you need a 3 ton or 4 ton unit. You just want to make sure the unit is sized properly for your house to be happy in the long run even though it may cost more! Once you know what size then check each contractor's work for quality installation. Look at other jobs! Or get referrals.

"The bitterness of poor installation lingers long after the sweetness of a cheap price"